Going Back to Farming Roots - with Dan Grist and Emily Peters

Today we’re taking a look at the different directions that people take in the farming sector. Some grow up in farming and choose it as a career, some move into a related or supporting industry, some move away from farming completely and some come into the industry from other backgrounds. Today we’re exploring all of these paths and underlining how important it is to find your own particular route in life. 

Peter is joined by Dan Grist who is the current Chair of Devon Young Farmers and co-host of the It’s In Our Roots Podcast which celebrates people with countryside roots. He is also joined by Emily Peters who grew up on a family dairy farm in Devon before moving away and then returning to run her milk vending machine business The Udder Stuff. Emily won the Rising Star category in this year’s Devon Farm Business Awards. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

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Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

01:40 Dan introduces himself. 

03:50 Careers advice into farming. 

04:30 Emily introduces herself. 

07:27 Dan is chair of Devon Young Farmers - what variety of jobs does he see members going into?

10:40 Peter talks about his own experience. 

11:50 Was Emily always thinking of going back to the family farm?

14:40 Emily talks about the growth of her business.

15:40 How many young people who go back to family farms set up their own ventures?

17:40 Advice to others thinking of coming back to the family farm.

19:30 Tips on making a plan.

23:05 Mindset and mental health. 

24:50 What does it mean to have farming roots?

27:13 Showstoppers

29:15 Peter rounds up.